Bahamas News
PM Davis Launches Nation-Wide Park Connect Free Wi-Fi
By: Eric Rose
Bahamas Information Services
#NEWBIGHT, Cat Island, The Bahamas, August 14, 2022 – During the launch of Park Connect Free Wi-Fi, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said, on August 13, 2022, that he was “so pleased” to launch the important nationwide initiative in the island where he grew up – Cat Island.
“After months of planning and hard work, we are pleased to launch a programme which will benefit Bahamians across the country: Free Wi-Fi in at least one park in every constituency throughout our nation,” Prime Minister Davis said, at the ceremony held at the New Bight Regatta Park, on that island.
Prime Minister Davis noted that his office and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, in partnership with Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches, Cable Bahamas, Bahamas Telecommunications Company, Bahamas Power and Light and the Grand Bahama Power Company had combined resources, expertise and their “shared love for country” to bring together the initiative.
That day, free internet access was also launched in parks in Fresh Creek, Andros; Harbour Island, near North
Eleuthera; and on various parks on New Providence.
“Internet access has become an essential service, as crucial to economic development as roads or utilities,” Prime Minister Davis said. “The internet is a highway of information and opportunities, bringing people news, allowing for the sharing of ideas, and building connections between communities.”
“Now, this valuable resource will be available free of charge to Bahamian individuals, families and businesses in parks and community centers across the country,” he added. “This will expand opportunities for thousands, allowing Bahamians to access virtual learning, job searches, and digital skills development at the click of a button and for free.
“This is not simply an investment in a park — this is an investment in our people and in our future.”
Prime Minister Davis shared just one of many example of the initiative’s potential to have an impact.
He said: “As you all know, the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in this country. I’ve met so many Bahamians who lost work during the lockdowns and decided to turn their talents and skills into a small business opportunity. I know they’ve since inspired many others to follow that path. But at the very beginning, it can be hard to know the best way to grow and scale up a tiny, informal operation. The Internet can be a great resource – for researching business plans, learning marketing ideas, and connecting to customers. This is the kind of information everyone should be able to access – and this is how digital tools can drive economic development and connectivity.”
Prime Minister Davis said that the launch of Park Connect Free Wi-Fi access throughout The Bahamas was part of a larger digital transformation strategy for The Bahamas. He pointed out that the launch that day represented an important step forward in closing the digital divide.
He said: “Especially at a time when global inflation has resulted in rising prices and a very heavy cost of living burden for Bahamians, offering this service free means that thousands who have been unable to afford access will now have the doors to the digital world opened: That means doors to online banking, online learning, business operations, zoom church meetings and work webinars; and doors to applying for e-Passports, driver’s licence, birth certificates and other government services online.”
“I was told about a young Bahamian who was determined to study for and pass his exams during distance learning – but he didn’t have regular Internet access at home,” Prime Minister Davis related. “He had to hang around outside a private business and use their WiFi when he could. I know you join me in my admiration for his resolve and his tenacity – but of course, we must do better for our young people.
“A young Bahamian who is striving for education and a better life – this is someone whom we should support in every way possible,” he added. “We need to keep knocking down digital barriers and obstacles, to help all of our people unlock their best possible futures.”
Prime Minister Davis said that the provision of the infrastructure that made free Wi-Fi possible, along with the recommissioning and upgrading of public parks, was in keeping with his Government’s goals of creating both a thriving digital society and stronger communities.
“As outlined in our Blueprint for Change, we believe Bahamians deserve more support for local economic development, more community-building, better facilitation of e-government services and certainly more access to education and skills development.” he said.
“My friends, the digital revolution is here,” Prime Minister Davis said. “If you have ever been denied access to the internet due to costs or accessibility, today is especially for you.
“Park Connect Free Wi-Fi is just the beginning of our digital journey. We have so much more in store for you and our beautiful Bahamaland.”
(Photos/OPM)
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor is proud to announce the launch of Monument Beverage Co., its newest 100% locally produced ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail.
Monument, “Made to Celebrate”, perfectly encapsulates everything the brand represents. Created and distributed by CWS, Monument is
inspired by culture, crafted with excellence and bursting with innovation.
This unique beverage celebrates island living with three bold flavors, Ginger Lime, Peach Passion and Melon Fizz. All of which can be enjoyed at an ABV of five-point-two percent.
The brand’s creativity really shines through each can’s packaging. Bold colored stripes, cherished native flora and fauna and of course, national monuments can all be found on each can.
The beverage’s two year plus development is a testament to CWS’ dedication to quality and innovation. Countless hours of tastings, reformulations, focus groups and package design reviews all paid off with the creation of Monument.
Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Chief Commercial Officer of Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, shared what this authentically Bahamian made product launch means for the company.
“When we were conceptualizing Monument, we wanted to create a product that not only tasted like The Bahamas but would be an ode to the
nation as well. With those two thoughts in mind, I, along with a team of experts, created three incredible flavors we believe really connect with and celebrate the essence of island living,” she said.
“Additionally, being that Monument is the first product to be 100% manufactured by Caribbean Wines & Spirits, we really wanted to ensure that both the flavors and packaging honored our rich heritage. On each of the cans, you can find various monuments such as the Nassau Public Library in New Providence, the Garden of the Grove in Grand Bahama and the Hatchet Bay Silos in Eleuthera; all of which pay homage to our diverse Bahamian heritage.” Wells-Lisgaris concluded.”
The historic monuments found throughout our islands are more than places we pass every day; they are reminders of who we are, where we’ve come from and the stories that connect us as Bahamians.
Monument is perfectly formulated with quality ingredients, and each can celebrates a collection of these cultural icons from across The Bahamas.
Whether chilling solo beachside, gathered around a family table or backyard a grill with friends, make Monument your sip of choice. Monument is made to celebrate, visit www.cwsbahamas.com today for more details.
NASSAU, Bahamas —– Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to crown Lady
Kayla of Exuma as this year’s annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup winner.
CBC created the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.
The winning sloop led by Kianno Hutchinson and Joss Knowles showcased their skillmanship in the E-Class category across each round of competition. In addition to winning the trophy, the skippers were awarded a $5,000 donation, an $8,000 stipend to the junior sailing club of their island and a limited-edition Lady Kayla Bahamas Goombay Punch commemorative can, which will be released soon.
Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of CBC shared the significance behind The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.
“The Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand; it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture,” he said.
Hutchinson and Knowles shared what this win meant for them.
“I felt super proud when I realized we won. I am grateful and thankful to God, for good coaches and Joss. It was really an honor winning the
Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup,” Hutchinson expressed.
“I am very honored to have been able to compete in the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, I think it is a great concept and idea for a competition and really adds a new motive throughout the regattas. The whole championship was super competitive, and every single race was a fight. Alvington McKenzie was extremely competitive and had us until the Long Island regatta, which made it a very fun and tough competition. Very excited to have been the winner of a super close championship,” Knowles revealed.
Lady Kayla’s owner, Dallas Knowles, shared the team’s winning strategy.
“In sailing consistency is key and our guys in Lady Kayla are some of the best in the business at staying near the top. In the end, that was enough to secure their first Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup win. We are so proud of Joss and Kianno for what they have done in Lady Kayla. Thank you to Caribbean Bottling Company for such an amazing and forward-thinking initiative,” Knowles shared.
The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is proud to continue its impact on sailing and community building through clean and fair competition.
For more updates on the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup and Caribbean Bottling Company visit the website www.cbcbahamas.com today.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.
Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable
Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.
The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.
Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.
Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.
“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.
Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.
“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.
CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.
For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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